Writing about the business of design
Welcome to a library of articles about the business of design.
You'll find articles about current research, our experience founding and managing a design studio and about insights uncovered during mentoring sessions with Australian designers.
The articles are released weekly via a news-packed EDM. Subscribe via the homepage
The conversation has changed
Future client conversations will no longer be about ‘easy problems’ and, more importantly, they’re less likely to be initiated by prospective clients.
From supplier to creative consultant
The future belongs to designers who can talk revenue, retention and risk. It is not abandoning design. It’s elevating design to a creative consultancy.
Just turn up
The design industry feels harder than ever. Tighter budgets, AI competition, fewer opportunities. But the best strategy might be the simplest one.
We need to talk about design studio budgeting
Pricing is a powerful communication tool. Learn how the psychology of pricing shapes client perception, trust and decision-making in engaging a design agency.
What to say when clients say ‘we need to think about it’
Most clients aren’t actually thinking about your proposal when they say we need to think about it. They’re stuck, confused, or politely trying to get away.
The emotion and psychology of pricing
Pricing is a powerful communication tool. Learn how the psychology of pricing shapes client perception, trust and decision-making in engaging a design agency.
Creative out of office replies
We work all year to prove our creativity, nurture client relationships and project personality so don’t fall at the last hurdle … put some thought into your holiday out-of-office auto reply.
Measure what matters
Many Australian studios are running flat-out yet wondering why the numbers don’t stack up. The problem isn’t effort — it’s focus. You might be measuring the wrong things.
(New) skills needed to survive
2025 has been a year of disruption for designers and all indicators say 2026 will be as turbulent. We think designers need these (new) to survive.
Before you look for work, look at how you work
Most creative agencies chase new work to grow. The truth is, growth starts inside — by auditing profitability, utilisation, and client mix before pursuing new business.
Are you accidentally ripping-off freelancers?
The uncomfortable truth: while you’re perfecting your portfolio, other designers are building relationships through content. Every week you stay quiet is another week potential clients discover someone else.
If your peers talk business and you talk design, you’ll lose
While you focus on craft and visual quality, competitors are talking strategy, outcomes, and business value. They’re speaking the language clients want to hear.
